From AM Radios to Artificial Intelligence: Lessons on Adapting to Technological Change with Kevin Surace

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Kevin Surace—keynote speaker, futurist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur—to explore the evolution of technology from AM radios to artificial intelligence. Kevin blends nostalgia for classic tech with practical, forward-thinking insights on AI adoption, prompting listeners to consider how curiosity, thoughtful engagement, and strategic use of new tools can shape the future of work and creativity. This blog distills the episode’s key lessons, offering actionable guidance for anyone navigating the rapidly shifting AI landscape.

Navigating the Evolution of Technology and AI Adoption

Kevin opens the conversation by sharing his childhood fascination with AM radios—a hands-on era of tuning, scanning, listening, and learning. He draws parallels between the deep engagement of early radio culture and the modern world of content creation, emphasizing that authenticity and curiosity remain timeless principles. The discussion shifts to artificial intelligence, where Kevin explains that while AGI remains a debated milestone, today’s AI models already surpass human capabilities across many domains, much like Excel automated complex math decades ago.

He stresses that success with AI begins with crafting thoughtful inputs: detailed prompts, clearly expressed opinions, and iterative refinement. Rather than replacing human intelligence, AI amplifies it—freeing people to focus on judgment, creativity, and strategy. Kevin also breaks down the importance of choosing the right model for the task, noting that different models (Gemini, GPT-5, Claude, Perplexity, Grok) specialize in different strengths, and users should experiment widely.

The episode closes with a practical discussion on AI adoption in the workplace. Kevin highlights the gap between awareness and action inside organizations—only about 2% of non-tech companies are meaningfully using AI—and explains why leadership must champion an “AI-first” mindset. He encourages individuals to experiment independently, share wins, and use AI as a collaborator rather than a shortcut, ensuring thinking and insight remain at the center of the process.

About Kevin Surace

Kevin Surace is a distinguished keynote speaker, futurist, and inventor with over 95 patents. Known for his thought leadership on AI, innovation, and the future of work, Kevin has founded multiple companies and advises organizations on adopting emerging technologies responsibly and effectively. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksurace/.

About KevinSurace.com

KevinSurace.com is the digital home for Kevin’s keynote speaking, workshops, and advisory services. Through his talks and consulting, he helps leaders understand technological disruption, adopt AI responsibly, and prepare their organizations for the future of innovation and work.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Key Episode Highlights

Early AM radio culture demonstrates timeless lessons about engagement and curiosity
Modern AI already outperforms humans in many specialized areas
Thoughtful prompting (“garbage in, garbage out”) is essential for quality AI output
Different AI models excel at different tasks—choose strategically
Most companies still aren’t using AI despite widespread interest
Leadership must drive AI adoption and training
AI should enhance, not replace, critical thinking
Approach AI with curiosity, not fear or perfectionism

Conclusion

This episode bridges past and future—showing how the curiosity and engagement required to tune classic AM radios can inform how we approach artificial intelligence today. Kevin Surace reminds us that while technology changes, the principles that drive meaningful work and connection do not. By embracing AI as a tool, experimenting boldly, and anchoring innovation in thoughtful input and human insight, we can harness technology to enhance our abilities and shape a more empowered future.

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